KUCHING: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is open to allowing national professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia to train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), with discussions currently ongoing between both parties.
BAM secretary-general, Datuk Kenny Goh, said there was no issue in principle with the arrangement, although several matters still needed to be refined, including approval from council members.
“In principle, there is no issue, and this is not something new. We have invited him before to come and train with us,” he said after the Malaysia Masters press conference at ABM in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Kenny added that BAM would also need to study Zii Jia’s training structure before deciding whether the independent shuttler would train with the elite squad or the back-up players.
Previously, the world no. 67 revealed there were plans for match-play sessions at ABM, although discussions were still at an early stage.
“Hopefully, they will invite me back, maybe for match-play, but definitely not on a full-time basis,” he said upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday (May 3).
The former world No. 2 admitted the quality within the BAM setup remained a major attraction, particularly with the presence of players such as Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe.
BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei has also voiced support for the arrangement, including access to sparring sessions, match-play and support services during the Thomas Cup build-up.
However, sponsorship remains a potential hurdle, with Zii Jia currently tied to Victor while BAM is backed by Yonex.
If an agreement is reached, Zii Jia is expected to train at ABM twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
